Mõlema

Mõlema is an Estonian grammatical form meaning “of both” or “belonging to both.” It is the genitive singular form of the pronoun mõlemad, which translates to “both.” The word is used to indicate possession or relation to two entities and is placed before a noun to show that the attribute or possession belongs to two subjects.

In practical terms, mõlema is used when referring to something that concerns or pertains to two people, items, or groups. The typical construction is mõlema followed by a singular noun in the genitive, for example, mõlema maja aknad, meaning “the windows of both houses.” This usage is common in everyday language as well as in written Estonian, including formal writing.

Phonologically and morphologically, mõlema is a fixed form that accompanies the following noun in its genitive case; it does not take independent plural endings when it serves this possessive function. The word is closely related to the basic concept of “both” and interacts with other determiners and numerals in Estonian grammar to express combined ownership or association.

See also: mõlemad (the plural form meaning “both” in nominative), estonian grammar, genitive case.

Notes: The usage of mõlema is limited to contexts involving exactly two referents. It is not used for more than two; for many items or groups, other constructions are preferred.